Fan-Favorite Indian Films on IMDb: Essential Must-Watch Classics for Cinema Enthusiasts
Indian cinema has been making waves globally, transcending language and cultural barriers to connect with diverse audiences. The following list showcases some of the top-rated Indian films according to IMDb ratings, which are widely trusted and reflect the collective opinion of global users. These movies stand out for their gripping stories, memorable performances, and cultural impact.
Top-Rated Indian Films
- Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Director: S.S. Rajamouli
- Why It Stands Out: This epic fantasy film is a sequel to Baahubali: The Beginning and is renowned for its stunning visual effects, engaging storyline, and strong performances. It broke numerous box office records and became a cultural phenomenon.
- Dangal
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Director: Nitesh Tiwari
- Why It Stands Out: Based on the true story of wrestlers Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, Dangal is celebrated for its inspiring narrative, powerful performances by Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanya Malhotra, and its promotion of women's empowerment.
- PK
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Director: Rajkumar Hirani
- Why It Stands Out: PK is a satirical comedy-drama that explores societal issues through a non-linear narrative. Aamir Khan's performance as an alien who questions human behavior and Rajkumar Hirani's direction make it a standout film.
- Ratsasan
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Director: Ram Kumar
- Why It Stands Out: This Tamil thriller is praised for its gripping storyline about a police officer chasing a serial killer. It has been ranked as one of the top-rated Indian films on IMDb, showcasing its impact on audiences.
- Chhaava (2025)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Director: Laxman Utekar
- Why It Stands Out: Although it doesn't have the highest IMDb rating among these films, Chhaava is noted for its historical context, strong performances by Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, and its popularity as the most popular Indian film of 2025 so far on IMDb.
Notable Mentions
- Soorarai Pottru (2020) is a Tamil film directed by Sudha Kongara with an IMDb rating of 8.7.
- Jai Bhim (2021) is a Tamil film directed by T. J. Gnanavel with an IMDb rating of 8.8. This film, based on a real-life case of police brutality and caste-based injustice, holds one of the highest IMDb ratings for an Indian film ever.
- Taare Zameen Par (2007) is a Hindi film directed by Aamir Khan with an IMDb rating of 8.4. It's an emotional film about a child with dyslexia and its impact on the national conversation about learning disorders.
- Anbe Sivam (2003) is a Tamil film with an IMDb rating of 8.6. It's a road movie starring Kamal Haasan and Madhavan, exploring themes of compassion, communism, and the meaning of life.
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) is a Hindi film directed by Anurag Kashyap, earning an IMDb rating of 8.2. It's a gritty, epic saga of crime, revenge, and power spanning generations in Dhanbad.
- 3 Idiots (2009) is a Hindi film directed by Rajkumar Hirani with an IMDb rating of 8.4. It's a heartwarming yet critical look at the Indian education system.
- Soorarai Pottru features Suriya in one of his best performances.
- Recent films like Jai Bhim, Soorarai Pottru, and The Kashmir Files have climbed the IMDb ranks, reflecting ongoing evolution in Indian cinema.
These films tell powerful human stories, reflect Indian society and values, challenge norms, and spark dialogue. Many of these top-rated Indian films gained international recognition and high scores thanks to wider accessibility through streaming platforms.
IMDb is a reliable platform for movie ratings worldwide, with scores based on reviews from millions of viewers. The list of top-rated Indian films includes films in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali, highlighting the multilingual richness of Indian cinema.
A recommended watchlist for beginners includes 3 Idiots, Pather Panchali, Soorarai Pottru, Drishyam, and Anbe Sivam. These films feature exceptional performances and direction.
Pather Panchali (1955) is a Bengali film directed by Satyajit Ray with an IMDb rating of 8.5. It marked the debut of Satyajit Ray and put Indian cinema on the global map. Drishyam (2013 Malayalam) is a psychological thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph with an IMDb rating of 8.3. It revolves around a father's desperate attempt to protect his family after a crime.
Black Friday (2004) is a Hindi film directed by Anurag Kashyap with an IMDb rating of 8.5. It's a searing docudrama about the 1993 Bombay bombings.
Most of these top-rated Indian films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and Zee5.
- Many of the top-rated Indian films, such as Baahubali 2: The Conclusion and Dangal, have received widespread acclaim in the realm of entertainment, particularly in categories like movies-and-tv and movies-and-tv-shows.
- As cultural icons, these films have left an indelible mark on lifestyle and fashion, influencing fashion-and-beauty trends and cultural discussions.
- Reading books like 'The Making of Baahubali' or 'Dangal: Kushti, Kabaddi, Mahavir Phogat and Sons' offer an in-depth exploration of the intricacies behind these celebrated Indian films.
- The food-and-drink industry has also felt the ripple effect of influential Indian films; for instance, "Dangal" prompted an increase in interest in kushti and traditional Indian wrestling techniques.
- Homes and gardens, too, have been inspired by the stunning visuals and sets featured in top-rated Indian films like Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, creating a demand for home decor that reflects the magical worlds depicted in these stories.
